Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Marvin's 3rd Gotcha Day!!

Today marks 3-years of Marvin!! That is so hard to believe considering how many times he's been near death's door. When I first rescued him from the street and was sorting through his medical problems, we all thought he might have 6-months to live - and here he is 3 years later!


His kidney failure continues to worsen each time we get the numbers checked, but he still eats fairly consistently. The Northeast air appears kinder to his asthmatic lungs, as he's been breathing easier since we moved, so we've been able to significantly cut back his steroid dose.


He LOVES this spot in the kitchen window that has the morning sun. Every morning he can be found zonked out in the warm sun. This guy likes it hot, it doesn't matter that it's 90's and crazy humid in the apartment, he wants it hotter!

Marvin recently had a health scare. He had a nose bleed, which I've never heard of in a cat before. I wasn't home at the time, but it scared Laura (understandably) so she took him to emergency. The vet thought it might be a complication from his ongoing dental infection and problems.

When I trapped Marvin he had really rotten teeth, enough so that he couldn't eat. I took him to a low cost vet and requested full dental extraction. That vet took out a few teeth but left the rest (and didn't bother to clean the remaining ones). Marvin's continued to have bad teeth but our regular vet cautioned us about doing anymore dental work because of how frail his kidneys are. Our new vet here has been encouraging us to consider taking the risk and doing the dental work, she notes that the ongoing infection will also strain the kidneys and the chronic dental pain is not good on his quality of life. So, after the nose bleed, we have made the choice to get the extractions done and any remaining teeth will be cleaned. This is very high risk for him as his blood pressure could drop to dangerous levels with the anesthetic and/or it might put his kidneys over the edge. We're going to take him in a few times before for sub-q fluids to try to flush his kidneys before the surgery, which is scheduled for next week.


He's been living free lately and enjoying lots of cuddles. He's certainly our most cuddly kitty right now. The other day when it cooled down I got out the bug toy and he went nuts with it, running around, diving in the packing papers like a kitten. It's fun to see that much energy and spunk in the old guy! He's so unsteady on his feet, but he did ok throwing his body around. Hopefully after the dental work he will be free of pain and can more fully live into life.


Happy Gotcha Day Marvs!!

12 comments:

  1. Hugs and kisses to my buddy Marvin!! I'll be thinking of him (and you two of course!) next week - hope all goes well
    Denise

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  2. It seems that there are creatures which have to suffer more than others and I am very sorry for these. Marvin is one of them, but his chance in life might eventually put an end to this sufferance. I keep my fingers crossed for you, Marvin.

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  3. Happy Gotcha Day Marvin! We're sending wonderful thoughts for an easy dental.

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  4. God's blessings on Marvin and on the two of you. Marvin, I am happy that you were able to play like that. It brought a smile amidst the concern for you. I will be waiting with some anxiety to learn how you fared with the dental. Smoochies to you Marvin. XXXX

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  5. Sweet Marvin! I hope his dental problems will get better and he can enjoy a better quality of life, I must admit you have given him much love and more time then anyone ever dreamed this old guy would have. Extra hugs to all of you!

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  6. Belated happy gotcha day to Marvin! We'll be sending purrs and purrayers to him and keeping our paws crossed that the upcoming dental goes well in every regard.

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  7. Marvin, Happy Gotcha Day! Your humans love you so much, and I know the vet will take care of your teefs without causing you any harm. You'll feel SO MUCH BETTER!

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  8. Happy Gotcha Day sweet boy! I will be praying everything goes well.

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  9. a most happee gotcha day two ewe dood N heerz ta 333 mor !! N joy haz fun N get inta trubullz ;) ♥♥

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  10. This makes me so happy.. Happy Gotcha Day Marvin! *soft ear scritches*

    I had a kitty start with nose bleeds. turned out she had nasal cancer of all things.. Hopefully Marvin's issues clear right up

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